Arizona Shoplifting Attorney
Contending with accusations of shoplifting can be complicated. The overlap between shoplifting and theft laws in Arizona can leave your specific charges unclear until you reach court. Even then, you can find yourself facing either misdemeanor or felony charges, all depending on the nature of the accusations and your criminal background.
If you are facing charges for shoplifting, do not hesitate to reach out to a knowledgeable attorney at Grand Canyon Law Group. An Arizona shoplifting lawyer can explain your legal options with you and help you map out your next steps.
For a free legal consultation with a shoplifting lawyer serving Arizona, call 480-400-5555
DEFINING SHOPLIFTING UNDER STATE LAW
Arizona Revised Statute § 13-1805 recognizes five acts that constitute shoplifting if the person acted knowingly. Behaviors classified as shoplifting under state law include:
- Removing items without paying the purchase price
- Buying goods through unapproved or false means
- Falsifying discount cards, discount credentials, or otherwise using trickery to reduce the cost of an item
- Merchandise shifting with the intent to obscure cost or possession
- Otherwise concealing goods to avoid their cost
Unfortunately, parties who enter stores with backpacks or other containers often face accusations of shoplifting. That said, these parties can still combat their charges with help from a skilled Arizona shoplifting attorney.
Arizona Shoplifting Lawyer Near Me 480-400-5555
SHOP OWNERS’ RIGHTS IN SHOPLIFTING CASES
Parties accused of shoplifting are not always detained by law enforcement. Rather, the state of Arizona allows shop owners and employees to detain parties they believe to have shoplifted without evidence for a set period of time. In addition to criminal charges, shop owners may subsequently pursue civil suits, according to Arizona Revised Statutes § 12-691 and § 12-692.
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SHOPLIFTING CAN BE A MISDEMEANOR OR FELONY
Parties accused of shoplifting may either face misdemeanor or felony charges depending on the severity of their alleged behavior. Accused individuals may only face misdemeanor charges if the overall value of the items they shoplifted is under $1,000. Parties may also face Class 5 Felonies if believed to have shoplifted more than $2,000 worth of merchandise or $1,500 over the course of three separate incidents. Individuals believed to be in possession of a firearm or more than $1,000 of merchandise at the time of their arrest may face Class 6 Felony charges. Parties who have been convicted of two other incidents of shoplifting, burglary, theft, or robbery may face Class 4 Felonies. Note that having such a criminal record automatically elevates even misdemeanors to this level of charge.
A knowledgeable attorney can help someone understand the nature of their shoplifting charges and the associated penalties.
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DISCUSS YOUR CASE WITH AN ARIZONA SHOPLIFTING ATTORNEY
Store owners looking to cash in on insurance claims or discredit certain shoppers might attempt to level false shoplifting accusations against innocent parties. In the rush to address these charges, you may find yourself overwhelmed by both the complexity of Arizona law and the unfamiliarity of your situation.
You do not need to face allegations of shoplifting on your own. Instead, reach out to an Arizona shoplifting attorney at Grand Canyon Law Group. Our team of former prosecutors turned defense attorneys know exactly what to expect from the prosecution in a shoplifting case and can use this expertise to craft a strategic defense on your behalf. Call today to schedule a free consultation.
Call or text 480-400-5555 or complete a Free Case Evaluation form
